The woman, in her 80s, had been walking along a footpath between Green Drive and Silverwood Close yesterday (Thursday) morning when a cyclist rode past her shortly after 11.30am.

The man stopped to expose himself to the woman before continuing with his journey.

Investigating officer, PC Emma Neasham, said: “We want to identify this man and arrest him in order to get an explanation for his actions which horrified this woman and has left her quite shocked.

“We would urge those who had been walking in the area and who saw this cyclist to contact us. This man had been wearing distinctive clothing which will be recognisable to his loved ones so we would ask them to also contact us.”

The man is described as white, but tanned, is aged in his late 30s, about 5ft 8ins tall and was wearing dark trousers, a distinctive red and black jacket and was riding a black mountain bike.

A police spokesman added: “The woman, who lives locally and is aged in her 80s, was left distraught by her ordeal.”

■ Information to investigating officers at Lowestoft police station on 101, quoting LO/14/4346, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.